JOINT STATEMENT

Below is a joint statement from Hull City and Huddersfield Town relating to the game between the two sides in Huddersfield on Saturday 30 March 2013:

Following the release of documents in response to the Freedom of Information request relating to the Huddersfield Town vs. Hull City league fixture on Saturday 30th March 2013, it has become abundantly clear that West Yorkshire Police were pursuing a specific agenda in their unwarranted imposition of the travel ‘bubble’. Indeed, their internal legal advisors recognised this in the run-up to the match.

We are delighted that the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner has acknowledged that the concerns raised with him in advance of the match were justified and is now conducting a comprehensive review of the decision-making process that effectively led to Hull City fans being inappropriately labeled as hooligans.

We look forward to the outcome of that review with interest and hope that, in future, West Yorkshire Police takes a common-sense approach when planning for football matches.

The diligence of both the Football Supporters’ Federation and Reds Away in pursuing this matter alongside supporters’ groups representing both Huddersfield Town and Hull City is to be commended. Without their perseverance it is likely that West Yorkshire Police’s counter-intuitive approach to this game would have simply been swept under the carpet. Thanks to the fans’ continued indignation over a lack of consideration for away supporters, this has not happened, and West Yorkshire Police’s flawed decision-making process has been exposed.

Speaking on behalf of Huddersfield Town, Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens added: “Throughout the ‘New Era’ under the Chairmanship of Dean Hoyle, Huddersfield Town has had a good, professional working relationship with West Yorkshire Police. The safety of our fans and visitors is a top priority for the Club.

“The Hull City game was the third time the Police refused to sanction a change of fixture at Sky’s request, which put Huddersfield Town in a very difficult position.

“Huddersfield Town understands the Police has to protect the ‘public purse’ and the challenges that can bring, but when saving money infringes on the ability of people and businesses to go about their everyday work and enjoy a day out at football, something is clearly wrong.

“The Club was disappointed to read some of the comments in the documents and now hopes the Police reflect upon and learn from what has taken place.”